Developing a virtual physics world

Authors

  • Margaret Wegener The University of Queensland
  • Timothy J. McIntyre The University of Queensland
  • Dominic McGrath The University of Queensland
  • Craig M. Savage The Australian National University
  • Michael Williamson The Australian National University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.847

Abstract

In this article, the successful implementation of a development cycle for a physics teaching package based on game-like virtual reality software is reported. The cycle involved several iterations of evaluating students' use of the package followed by instructional and software development. The evaluation used a variety of techniques, including ethnographic observation, surveys, student focus groups and conventional assessment. The teaching package included a laboratory manual, instructional support materials and the Real Time Relativity software that simulates a world obeying special relativistic physics. Although the iterative development cycle was time consuming and costly, it gave rise to substantial improvements in the software user interface and in the students' learning experience.

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Author Biographies

Margaret Wegener, The University of Queensland

Lecturer and First-Year Teaching DirectorSchool of Mathematics and PhysicsThe University of Queensland

Timothy J. McIntyre, The University of Queensland

Senior Lecturer and Head of PhysicsSchool of Mathematics and PhysicsThe University of Queensland

Dominic McGrath, The University of Queensland

eLearning Designer
Teaching and Educational Development Institute (TEDI)
The University of Queensland

Craig M. Savage, The Australian National University

Physics Education Centre, Research School of Physics and Engineering
The Australian National University

Michael Williamson, The Australian National University

Software Engineer
Physics Education Centre, Research School of Physics and Engineering
The Australian National University

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Published

2012-04-25

How to Cite

Wegener, M., McIntyre, T. J., McGrath, D., Savage, C. M., & Williamson, M. (2012). Developing a virtual physics world. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 28(3). https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.847